“The startling emotional impact of falling victim to holiday fraud is highlighted in the latest figures, as 575 people reported that the harm to them was so severe, they had to receive medical treatment or were at risk of bankruptcy,” said Pauline Smith, head of Action Fraud.

It follows earlier warnings this year about so-called “chalet fraud” for people booking ski-ing holidays.

On average those who were tricked into sending off money to reserve a chalet lost more than £2,000 each.

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